Written by Tom Hooker
Vietnam has flourished into one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations. Whether you’re planning a short trip or an adventure without an end date, this amazing country will blow you away with its magnificent sites and special architecture.
But, one thing not all travelers realize until they get to Vietnam is that it’s a huge country. Sure, it may seem tiny next to China on Google Maps, but exploring all of it is a tall order—even if you don’t have a return ticket. Our inner explorers are attracted to distinct things, and traveling to different countries is all about building a unique experience. Thus, in the spirit of Vietnam’s undeniable awesomeness, we’ve put together a list of 5 places you can’t miss during your next trip. (Seriously, they’re that cool.)
Vietnam is overflowing with beautiful beaches, imposing mountains, dense rain forests, and historic regions. If we were to name each individual attraction, we’d end up with a list of 500 or more activities. Instead, we’ll name five awesome cities that you can use as a base to explore the surrounding areas. It’s important to research each place before heading there. Plus, getting help from a tour guide can help you make the most out of your trip, especially when you find one through ALLMYNE!
#1. Phú Quốc
Phú Quốc (pronounced foo-kwok) is the perfect introduction to Vietnam. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, this island features dozens of towns with delicious local food and rich culture, as well as a small city with an international airport. The first thing you’ll notice when coming into Phú Quốc is its white-sand beaches and emerald forest. More than half of the island is a protected reserve, so you can spend your days trekking, interacting with locals, and tasting different treats.
#2. Ho Chi Minh
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is a big city that’s divided into various districts. Each district has a unique feel and appearance, so you’ll spend days wandering about the city, admiring everything around you. This is one of the most historic regions in Vietnam, so this is also a great opportunity to visit the Củ Chi tunnels, the Vietnam War museums, and other iconic sites.
#3. Dalat
Oh, Dalat! What a peaceful, vibrant, and nourishing place. Also known as the City of Eternal Spring, this picturesque town is located in the heart of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Dalat’s privileged location means that it’s surrounded by waterfalls, rivers, and mountains—with the latter housing many coffee plantations you can visit. Also, remember to make time to visit the many Buddhist temples, flower farms, and the powerful Elephant Waterfall.
#4. Huế
Huế (pronounced hoy-AY) has been one of the most important cities in Vietnam since the 17th century, actually serving as Vietnam’s capital for more than a century. Today, Huế has become a cultural haven with countless activities that include visiting the historic citadel, taking a boat trip down the river to the Thien Mu pagoda, and getting a silk garment tailored in the neighboring Hoi An.
#5. Sa Pa and Cat Ba
Surprise! Number five is a double whammy because Sa Pa and Cat Ba are simply unmissable. Cat Ba is an island in Ha Long Bay, which happens to be one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. Enough said.
Venture into the mist. Remember those words when you visit Sa Pa. It may not be on the world stage, but this quaint town, located in the heart of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in Northwestern Vietnam, is one of the most spectacular places you’ll ever go to. It offers the perfect opportunity to visit Vietnam’s iconic rice fields, plan multi-day hiking trips, and see what life is like today for ethnic minorities like the people of the Hmong tribes.
With all that being said, what more could you want out of an adventure?
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